The art of winter
Limited to only 1,000 coins worldwide
Mintage: 1,000 Composition: 14-karat gold (58.33% gold, 41.67% silver) Finish: proof (with six Swarovski® crystals on the reverse) Weight (g): 60.50 Diameter (mm): 50 Edge: serrated Certificate: serialized Face value: $300 Artist: Konrad Wachelko Reverse: Scientifically referred to as a dendrite ice crystal, the beauty of this snowflake is embellished with six glittering Swarovski® crystals. Obverse: Effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
2006 14KT Gold Coin - Crystal Snowflake
We slide in it, make snowmen and forts with it and even try to catch it on our tongues! Winter's wondrous gift of the snowflake turns months of frigid cold into a season of joyful play—and incredible beauty. Anyone who has ever had the good fortune to catch a snowflake on their glove knows that its intricate shape can take your breath away. As water vapour freezes within a cloud, temperature, wind and humidity will influence the size and shape of the ice crystals that fall to the ground. Sometimes they will clump together to form large, wet flakes. Or, they'll fall as dry, powdery snow. But if the conditions are just right and the ice crystals can grow large and drift gently earthward without clumping together, the result is a flurry of endless masterpieces—those elaborate star-shaped flakes. The unassuming snowflake yields significant influence wherever it falls. More than play, it defines Canada's geography, wildlife, environment and economy, demanding significant research efforts to understand how snow and ice work—and how to function within the challenging conditions they create. With so much of its activity dependent upon and shaped by winter's frozen marvels, Canada has become known internationally for its scientific contributions to snow and ice research, such as the world's most accurate gauge for recording snowfall and automated sensors that measure snow accumulation and melt on major glaciers and ice sheets. Yet, despite the science, Canada's love of the simple snowflake prevails.